Marina plan unveiled

CHARLEVOIX - Charlevoix City Council and the Downtown Development Authority reviewed a conceptual plan and cost estimate for the marina and parkside projects Monday.

Peter Pollack, of Pollack Associates, and representatives from United Design Associates of Cheboygan presented the plan for the $10.66 million project.

The project serves as a gateway to the community, crafting a relationship between the park, marina and city activities, Pollack said.

Pollack said the plan maintains the character of the marina by keeping the curving shoreline and putting the boats parallel to the street, providing open view corridors and 67 slips in comparison to the city's current 34.

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The parkside project includes the harbor master building, bandshell pavilion, a fish pond and public sidewalks and thoroughfares.

The harbor master building includes the harbor master office, designated areas for boaters including restrooms, showers, laundry, a lounge area with a kitchenette, and public restrooms and an observation deck. The building is located at the corner of Bridge and Clinton streets.

The performing arts building features a new stage area, green room, performer restrooms, public restrooms, maintenance and storage rooms and increased seating.

The parkside plan may incorporate a location for grills and picnic tables and additional seating, more sidewalks and green space.

Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce executive director Jackie Merta asked if the plan may include estimates and space for a public ice rink, to provide a year-round use for the park.

Pollack said estimates could include an ice rink.

The designers also presented the final conceptual plans for the marina. The marina renovations may cost $4.8 million.

Some residents were concerned about the intrusiveness of a public promenade off Clinton Street and its impact on Round Lake.

The existing piers are 75 feet, and the promenade extends approximately 190 feet.

DDA member John Yaroch said the project falls short on the number of shoppers docks.

"The shoppers docks play a viable role in contributing to the downtown business area," Yaroch said. The plan may accommodate about four to five boats.

Pollack said because of the sensitivity of the area, 67 slips appears to be the capacity.

Residents also shared the concern of who will fund the $10.66 million project.

Charlevoix resident Jill Picha asked where the funds would come from with pending projects for a conference center, parking structure and a public library.

City manager Mike Wiesner said the city would be creative in its funding sources. The city may apply for grant money from the Michigan Waterway Commission and other grant sources to cover part of the costs.

Charlevoix resident John Winn, chairman of the state's waterways commission, said the timing is crucial. Charlevoix may compete with governments statewide for grant money to cover renovation costs. Winn said because of the demands, it is likely the commission may fund 50 percent of the project rather than funding 75 percent of it.

"In my heart of hearts, I believe the demand is here in Charlevoix," Winn said.

Winn said it makes sense to do the project in conjunction with the parkside amenities and improvements, because part of the parkside costs associated with the marina may be funded by grant money.

The city and DDA gave preliminary approval of the project.

Pollack and United Designs Associates will apply for permits to the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the land and water management division of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Michigan Department of Public Health.

Winn said the city needs to move ahead.

"We started the public hearings the same time as St. Ignace and Traverse City, and we dedicated those projects last summer," Winn said.

The plans

The municipal marina and East Park renovation project includes marina improvements and land-based plans for a harbor master facility, public fish pond, bandshell pavilion and public sidewalks.

The total cost of the project is $10.66 million.

$4.8 million for marina improvements: The current marina includes 34 slips and the proposed marina includes 67 slips, and a public promenade.

$3 million for the East Park land improvements, includes landscaping, sidewalks, base walls, irrigation and lighting.

$1.5 million for the harbor master building, includes harbor master office, boater bathrooms, lounge area, public restrooms and a public viewing deck.

$1.2 million bandshell pavilion, the performance building includes a new stage area, green room, performer restrooms, public restrooms, maintenance and storage rooms.